David Sedgwick

Public Health England and Fresh are calling on smokers in North Tyneside to sign up to Stoptober – the country’s 28-day initiative, which starts on October 1 and helps people quit smoking.

New research shows that 67 per cent of smokers are more likely to quit when their spouse stops smoking and 36 per cent more likely to quit when a close friend stops.

Lisa Surtees, acting director of Fresh, said: “Making a pact to quit with your partner or a friend is a great way to really boost your chances of kicking tobacco once and for all. That support can make all the difference and keep you going.”

Coun Lesley Spillard, cabinet portfolio holder for public health at North Tyneside Council, said: “We have supported Stoptober in North Tyneside for a number of years now and see it as an integral part of our public health campaign schedule, providing a real focal point for smokers as a time to stop.

“We are encouraging smokers across our borough to sign up to Stoptober and take advantage of the great free support available in North Tyneside to help them quit.”

Professor Kevin Fenton, director of Health and Wellbeing for Public Health England, said: “Stoptober will be providing people with more engaging and personalised support than ever.

“The benefits of stopping smoking are almost immediate. It is one of the best things a person can do to improve their health and reduce their chances of developing long-term conditions and dying prematurely.”

“Sign up today and get ready to start your quitting journey with our support on October 1.”

Rhod Gilbert who is supporting this year’s campaign, said: “I smoked for about 25 years and probably spent 23 of those trying to quit, trying everything you can think of to kick the habit.

“I know first hand that it can be hard to find the motivation to quit, but Stoptober is the perfect time to give it a go.

“My advice to those taking on Stoptober would be to take the 28 days one day at a time.”